Mercedes Unveils New Self-Driving Concept Car
LAS VEGAS - Mercedes has unveiled a concept car that truly looks like the autonomous vehicle of the future. Before the unveiling, Mercedes Benz chief Dieter Zetsche said, "The car is growing beyond its role as a mere means of transport and will ultimately become a mobile living space." Then he pulled the cover off the new Mercedes F 015 Luxury in Motion.
It took us all a minute to react. Is it pretty? Is it hideous? It's strange that's for sure. It's exactly what it's supposed to be, a concept car. The F 015 features a long cabin that Mercedes is saying will feel more like a lounge than a car. The seats all swivel to face each other when the car is on autopilot, while gesture and eye-tracking-controlled LED screens allow hands-free control over the entertainment systems and other functions.
This car rose out of a Mercedes study, "City of the Future 2030+." Though from the look and explanation of the new vehicle, it might as well be called "How can we make 'Minority Report' a reality." The hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle of the future has been envisioned as Mercedes as belonging in a future where busy commuters relax and work in their vehicles instead of minding the road or traffic ahead. The F 015 features a retractable steering wheel that will present itself only if users want to drive. So if you're feeling nostalgic and missing the good ol' 2010s, you can pop the wheel out and remember the days of driving.
"Cars will turn into mobile homes in the very best sense of the word," Zetsche said. "Anyone who focuses solely on the technology has not yet grasped how autonomous driving will change our society."
More to come on autonomous vehicles from CES 2015.
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